Troy-Bilt Colt FT, Operator'S Manual

Page: 9 / 24

Service
5
9
WARNING!
Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine
before performing any repairs.
Maintenance
Engine
Refer to the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for
engine maintenance instructions.
Tines
Clean the underside of the tine shield after each
use. The dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off
immediately instead of after it dries. Always towel
dry the tiller afterwards and apply a light coat of oil
or silicone to prevent rusting or water damage.
NOTE: Never use a pressure washer to clean your
tiller. Water can penetrate tight areas of the tiller and
its chain case and cause serious damage to machine.
Lubrication
Pivot Points
Remove the belt cover and lubricate all the pivot
points and linkages at least once a season with light
oil. Keep the belts free of lubrication.
Tine Shafts
Remove the tine assemblies and lubricate the tine
shafts at least once a season.
Wheel Shafts
Remove the wheel assemblies and lubricate the axle
shafts at least once a season.
Chain Drive
The chain drive is pre-lubricated and sealed at
factory.
Adjustments
Cable Adjustment
Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section of this
manual for instructions on adjusting the clutch
cable.
Tines
Tilling Width
With the outer tines installed, the working width of
the machine is 24”. This width may be reduced to 22”
by removing the clevis and cotter pins, sliding each
outer tine inward toward the center of the tiller and
re-securing the pins in the holes provided. The width
can also be reduced to 13” by removing the outer
tines completely. See Figure 5-1.
22”
24”
Cutting
Edge
Forward
Figure 5-1
Tine Inspection
The bolo tines will wear with use and should be
inspected at the beginning of each tilling season
and after every 30 operating hours. The tines can be
replaced either individually or as a complete set. See
the Replacement Parts section for tine identification
and part numbers.
With use, the tines will become shorter, narrower and
pointed. Badly worn tines will result in a loss of tilling
depth, and reduced effectiveness when chopping up
and turning under organic matter.
Refer to Figure 5-2 for the following tine procedures.
Rear/
Operator
Front/
Forward
Cutting Edge
Forward
Rotation
Figure 5-2
Removing/Installing a Single Tine
1. With the engine shut off and the spark plug
wire disconnected, remove the two hex
screws (3⁄8-16 x 1.00) and hex lock nuts (3⁄8-16)
that attach a single tine to a tine holder. If
needed, use penetrating oil on the nuts.
2. When installing a single tine, be sure to
position it so that its cutting edge (sharp) will
enter the soil first as the tiller moves forward.
Removing/Installing a Tine Assembly:
1. A tine assembly consists of eight tines
mounted on a tine holder.
2. If removing both tine assemblies, mark them
“left” and “right” before removal. Remove the
hex screw (3⁄8-16 x 1.75) and flange lock nut
(3⁄8-16 ) that secure the tine assembly to the
tine shaft. If necessary, use a rubber mallet to
tap the tine assembly outward off the shaft.
3. Before reinstalling the tine assembly, inspect
the tine shaft for rust, rough spots or burrs.
Lightly file or sand, as needed. Apply a thin
coat of grease to the shaft.
4. Install each tine assembly so that the cutting
(sharp) edge of the tines will enter the soil first
when the tiller moves forward. Secure the tine
assembly to the tine shaft using the screw and
locknut.
Off-Season Storage
If the tiller will not be used for a period longer than
30 days, the following steps should be taken to
prepare the tiller for storage.
1.
Clean the exterior of the engine and the
entire tiller thoroughly. Lubricate the tiller as
described in the lubrication instructions.
2. The use of pressure washers is not
recommended for cleaning your tiller. They
may cause damage to electric components,
spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine.
The use of pressure washers will result in
shortened life and reduce serviceability.
3. Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for
correct engine storage instructions.
4. Wipe tines with oiled rag to prevent rust.
5. Store tiller in a clean, dry area. Do not store
next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE:
When storing any type of power
equipment in an unventilated area or metal
storage shed, care should be taken to
rustproof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment and especially
any springs, bearings, and cables.
Belt Replacement
Your tiller has been engineered with a belt made of
special material (Kevlar Tensile) for longer life and
better performance. It should not be replaced with
an off-the-shelf belt. Order all belts through you
authorized service dealer.